The Hippocratic Oath is the 5th episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation in TNG Season 1.
Synopsis[]
When an alien couple comes to Doctor Carlson with their terminally ill son. The child can be cured by a simple operation, but the parents' religion forbids it, Steven has to attempt to convince the kids parents to allow him to save their son.
Script Chapters[]
[]
FADE IN
EXT. SPACE [OPTICAL]
The Enterprise orbits an M-class planet.
CPT. BRANSON'S [voice over]: Captain's log stardate 53998.4, The Enterprise has been in orbit of the planet Onteen IV where we came into contact with the race known as the Onteen after the first contact with them by the USS Avalon the Enterprise has made second contact with them but it appears that a couples young son has come down with some sort of illness
INT. SURGICAL BAY/SICKBAY, USS ENTERPRISE-E
Both Nurse Takahashi and Doctor Carlson are at the surgical biobed treating a young boy named Shon.
DR. CARLSON: What's his blood pressure?
NURSE TAKAHASHI: 90/80 Doctor.
DR. CARLSON: Give him 5ccs of Metrazene.
NURSE TAKAHASHI: Yes, Doctor.
Nurse Takahashi injects the medicine into Shon as Doctor Carlson walks over to his parents.
M'OLA: Can you save our son?
DR. CARLSON: Well, you got him here in the nick of time he has a blockage in his lung that's preventing him from getting the amount of air that he needs to survive. But his condition is treatable with a simple operation he'll be able to breath on his own.
His parents look at each other then at Steven.
M'OLA: Surgery?
THRAG: You mean open him up?
DR. CARLSON: Its a simple operation there'll be no scarring I can assure you.
THRAG: No! We forbid it!
Doctor Carlson's worried.
[BLACKOUT, END OF TEASER]
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THEME SONG:
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CPT. BRANSON'S [voice over]: Space the final frontier, these are the voyages of the starship Enterprise its continuing mission to explore strange new worlds. Too seek out new life and new civilizations to boldly go where no one has gone before...
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The Enterprise sits in the Federation dockyard.
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STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
A STAR TREK FAN FILM PRODUCTION
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The Enterprise departs from the dockyard.
BASED ON STAR TREK CREATED BY: GENE RODDENBERRY
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A shot of the ventral section as there's a shot of the moon.
JARVIS DAVIDSON
AS
CAPTAIN JOHN BRANSON
The Enterprise flies above an interstellar dust cloud.
FELECIA LINKOUS
AS
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER RO LAREN
The Enterprise approaches a nebula cloud.
KEVIN REAGAN
AS
LIEUTENANT JUNIOR GRADE JACK MASON
The Enterprise approaches a Spacedock type starbase.
FERNE MYERS
AS
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER COURTNEY JAMES
The Enterprise approaches an M-class planet.
JACOB ELLIOT
AS
DOCTOR STEVEN CARLSON
The Enterprise flies by an interplanetary system.
DELENA "DEE" LUSK
AS
ENSIGN KARA CARLSON
The Enterprise flies through an interplanetary debris field.
SADIE WAYMIRE
AS
ENSIGN JULIA SMITH
The Enterprise flies from a planet.
BECKY ELLIOT
AS
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER T'MIR
The Enterprise flies over Earth and her engines power and she shoots off into the distance into a burst of light.
CREATED BY:
JARVIS DAVIDSON & JEREMY REAGAN
Act 1[]
FADE IN
INT. SICKBAY, USS ENTERPRISE-E
ANGLE - MEDICAL MONITOR [OPTICAL]
shows the medical procedure and how it'll work.
DR. CARLSON: As you can see the blockage will be removed easily and I promise you the body will not be harmed there'll be no scarring no sign that he ever had been cut open.
M'OLA: We understand all too well that's why we won't allow it to happen.
NURSE TAKAHASHI: Why?
THRAG: Our beliefs state that if the body is harmed it has no soul therefore it cannot cross from this life to the next without a soul.
Doctor Carlson thinks.
DR. CARLSON: We could try something else if we use a combo of emollients and micro-beams to provide a physical access to his internal fluids we might be able to help the body clear itself.
Both M'ola and Thrag calm down.
DR. CARLSON: But I can't promise that it'll work but its the closest thing that I suggest to you both because if you beam back to your world then he'll die painfully.
THRAG: Do what you can to save him.
DR. CARLSON: I'll do my best.
The parents walk to the surgical bay to be with their son.
INT. DOCTOR CARLSON'S OFFICE/SICKBAY, USS ENTERPRISE-E
Steven enters his office rubbing his temples as Saskai follows.
SASKAI: What the hell was that?
STEVEN: What did you want to me to do?
SASKAI: Suggest the surgery pressure them Steven.
STEVEN: Never do anything to insult a parents beliefs. Get them on your side that's what we were all taught at Starfleet medical on Earth.
Saskai paces about.
SASKAI: So you suggested mineral oil and micro-beams? It won't dislodge the blockage its too rooted! That kid is either going under the knife or in a freezer!
STEVEN: For now we have to do what we can to earn their trust.
He sits at the desk and works on the treatment.
EXT. ONTEEN IV ORBIT, SPACE [OPTICAL]
The Enterprise orbits the planet.
INT. MESS HALL, USS ENTERPRISE-E
The Onteen delegation getting to know the Enterprise crew.
ONTEEN AMBASSADOR: You have a very impressive ship Captain.
CPT. BRANSON: Thank you Ambassador we're very proud of her.
VADM. JOHNSON: I hope that we can get to know each other some more.
ONTEEN AMBASSADOR: Same here Admiral Johnson.
VADM. JOHNSON: Soon we'll speak of offering your world Federation membership soon.
They continues to get to know each other.
CUT TO:
INT. SURGICAL BAY/SICKBAY, USS ENTERPRISE-E
Shon lays in the biobed.
NURSE TAKAHASHI: His respiration is at 89% and holding it seems the treatment is working but barely.
DR. CARLSON: Get me 10ccs of inapprovline.
She gets the hypo and hands it to him and Doctor Carlson injects the med into Shon's neck.
DR. CARLSON: That should help with any pain that you may feel.
SHON: T-Thank you Doctor Carlson.
Steven smiles at him and walks out of the bay.
DR. CARLSON: He'll need to rest I'll let you know if his condition changes.
M'OLA: Thank you Doctor please save our son.
DR. CARLSON: I'll do my best.
They EXIT the sickbay as two guards escort them to guest quarters.
DR. CARLSON: I can't believe that I can't do my full duty as chief medical officer to save their son.
NURSE TAKAHASHI: Like you said earn their trust first then try to convince them.
EXT. ONTEEN IV ORBIT [OPTICAL]
The Enterprise orbits the planet.
INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE, USS ENTERPRISE-E
CPT. BRANSON: So far the Onteen delegation is enjoying their time aboard our vessel let's make the most of it and hopefully earn their trust and welcome them into the Federation.
John looks at Doctor Carlson.
CPT. BRANSON: Steven, how's the boy doing?
DR. CARLSON [sighs]: He's gonna die. His parents won't allow me to operate. What do I do?
CPT. BRANSON: I wish there was a way we could help but the Prime Directive is in effect here until they're members of the Federation.
DR. CARLSON: So? That's it we just allow them to walk all over us and make me watch a young boy die in my sickbay?
ENS. CARLSON: Steven, we're not here to play god.
DR. CARLSON: We're here to help them.
Doctor Carlson gets up and EXITS the observation lounge.
[BLACKOUT, END OF ACT 1]
Act 2[]
FADE IN
EXT. ONTEEN IV ORBIT [OPTICAL]
The Enterprise orbits the planet.
INT. SURGICAL BAY/SICKBAY, USS ENTERPRISE-E
Shon sleeps as his parents are visiting him praying that he be healed to continue their legacy as Steven stands at the medical station trying to think of an effective treatment that won't upset Shon's parents.
NURSE TAKAHASHI: They decorated the surgical bay to help Shon heal.
DR. CARLSON: I'm just figuring out what I can do but so far nothing comes to mind except what I suggested how's the backup treatment doing?
NURSE TAKAHASHI: His pressure is holding steady but still not enough to get fluid into his lungs.
Steven leans on the station.
DR. CARLSON [sotto]: I've been thinking about the EMH from Voyager his treatments involving Borg nanoprobes reprogrammed to heal the damage tissue and hopefully restore his pressure without surgery.
NURSE TAKAHASHI [sotto]: But will the parents agree?
DR. CARLSON [sotto]: I hope so. If not I'll have to take matters into my own hands.
They look at the parents as they're praying to their gods to heal their son.
INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM, USS ENTERPRISE-E
John looks at the monitor.
[READY ROOM DOORS CHIMED]
CPT. BRANSON: Come.
[READY ROOM DOORS WHOOSHED OPENED] As Commander Ro enters.
LCDR. RO: The Onteen Ambassador and Admiral Johnson has concluded today's talks to joining the Federation.
CPT. BRANSON: That's good.
LCDR. RO: What are you up to?
CPT. BRANSON: reviewing the Federation Chart searching for a way to help Steven with this situation.
LCDR. RO: I'm sure you'll find a way to convince Steven to follow the Prime Directive.
CPT. BRANSON: I hope so.
INT. SURGICAL BAY/SICKBAY, USS ENTERPRISE-E
[MEDICAL MONITORS BEEP RAPIDLY] As Doctor Carlson walks over the the surgical biobed.
DR. CARLSON: What's his condition?
NURSE TAKAHASHI: His stats are dropping rapidly!
DR. CARLSON: 10ccs of lectrazine now!
Nurse Takahashi gets the hypo and the vial and hands it to him.
NURSE TAKAHASHI: 10ccs.
He injects the lectrazine into Shon.
NURSE TAKAHASHI: No effect!
DR. CARLSON: Increase to 20ccs.
She increases the dosage to 20ccs and hands it to him as Steven injects into Shon's neck.
[SHON GASPS]
[MEDICAL MONITORS CALM DOWN]
NURSE TAKAHASHI: His vitals are returning to normal.
DR. CARLSON [sighs]: That's good hey Shon its ok you're going to be all right contact the parents now.
INT. DOCTOR CARLSON'S OFFICE/SICKBAY, USS ENTERPRISE
DR. CARLSON: We almost lost him because of your back water beliefs in protecting the soul!
THRAG: We cannot allow surgery to happen it would not only destroy him but us as well as his parents!
DR. CARLSON: How could you be parents if you won't allow someone to help your son survive!
Thrag gets up.
THRAG: How dare you speak to us in that tone if it wasn't for our delegation wanting to file for membership to your Federation we'd be off your ship by now!
DR. CARLSON: He's your son, damn it. Do yourself a favor. No do him a favor. Stop deluding yourselves. All right, no more superstition. We have the safety of the patient! You force me to ask for suspension of your parental authority.
They look at each other confused.
M'OLA: What does that mean?
DR. CARLSON: I'll do what I have to in order to save your son. I will preform the surgery without your permission.
THRAG: WHAT! NO YOU CAN'T I WON'T ALLOW IT!
Thrag EXITS his office as his wife follows.
CUT TO:
INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM, USS ENTERPRISE-E
Captain Branson looks out the window as Doctor Carlson enters.
CPT. BRANSON: I expected more from you.
DR. CARLSON: To just sit by and watch as that boy dies in my sickbay?
CPT. BRANSON: To respect the beliefs of another species Steven to follow guidelines that govern this crew!
DR. CARLSON: I am a doctor I have a duty to save the life of someone that comes to me if I followed regulations that were put into protect us from being gods then what good am I!
CPT. BRANSON: We're trying to get to know these people Steven eventually ask them to join the Federation and learn from them but this stunt of yours could put that at risk.
DR. CARLSON: Shon's going to die without that surgery John I can't just sit by and watch him die! I won't do that a second time!
Doctor Carlson EXITS the ready room.
INT. DOCTOR CARLSON'S OFFICE/SICKBAY, USS ENTERPRISE-E
Steven sits in the chair behind the desk deep in thought.
DR. CRUSHER: Stuck on something?
Steven turns to see Doctor Crusher.
DR. CARLSON [surprised]: Doctor Crusher.
[BLACKOUT, END OF ACT 2]
Act 3[]
FADE IN
INT. DOCTOR CARLSON'S OFFICE/SICKBAY, USS ENTERPRISE-E
ANGLE - MEDICAL MONITOR [OPTICAL]
shows medical treatment.
DR. CARLSON: Its a simple operation but the parents are being stubborn as Klingons not allowing me to conduct the surgery to save their son.
DR. CRUSHER: This is a tough medical situation.
They get to work on treating Shon.
INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE, USS ENTERPRISE-E
VADM. JOHNSON: You need to stop your medical officer Captain.
CPT. BRANSON: Sir, once Steven's mind is made up its very hard to get him to back down.
VADM. JOHNSON: Try or this alliance won't happen.
INT. SURGICAL BAY/SICKBAY, USS ENTERPRISE-E
Doctor's Crusher and Carlson as well as Nurse Takahashi are preforming the operation on Shon against the parents wishes.
DR. CARLSON: Its working.
NURSE TAKAHASHI: We're equalizing the pressure of his internal bladder. He won't have any trouble.
DR. CRUSHER: Good work Steven.
DR. CARLSON: Thanks Beverly. God please preserve this boy's soul call the parents.
NURSE TAKAHASHI: Yes, Doctor.
EXT. ONTEEN IV ORBIT [OPTICAL]
The Enterprise orbits the planet.
INT. SURGICAL BAY/SICKBAY, USS ENTERPRISE-E
Shon's feeling better.
DR. CARLSON: You'll be fully recovered and be able to help your parents better then ever.
[SICKBAY DOORS WHOOSHED OPENED] As M'ola and Thrag enters.
THRAG: In the name of the Egg. You preformed the surgery anyway.
DR. CARLSON: It was either that or allow him to die.
SHON: Montya, Dottya I'm better now.
M'OLA: STAY BACK DEMON!
They leave as Shon breaksdown in tears as Steven comforts him.
[BLACKOUT, END OF ACT THREE]
Act 4[]
FADE IN
INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM, USS ENTERPRISE-E
CPT. BRANSON [frustrated]: I gave you a direct order! I should have your commission for this!
DR. CARLSON: Its yours John.
CPT. BRANSON: Don't tempt me Steven! Who asked you to play god!
He turns to John.
DR. CARLSON: Anyone who comes into sickbay looking to be treated for their wounds that's who!
John walks to the desk.
CPT. BRANSON: Admiral Johnson has informed me that the talks have been suspended because of this stunt you pulled against my orders I'm putting a reprimand in your record.
DR. CARLSON: All of this because of what I have done which is saved the life of a young boy! And you're going to reprimand me for following my training as a medical officer.
CPT. BRANSON: You're lucky that I'm not court martialing you.
[COM CHIRPS]
NURSE TAKAHASHI [com voice]: Takahashi to Carlson
DR. CARLSON [to com]: Carlson here.
NURSE TAKAHASHI [com voice]: Can you report to sickbay
CUT TO:
INT. SICKBAY, USS ENTERPRISE-E
[SICKBAY DOORS WHOOSHED OPENED] As both Branson and Carlson enters.
CPT. BRANSON: Its nice to meet you Shon and your family I'm John Branson and I'd like to apologize for what my medical officer has done to counter your beliefs.
M'OLA: Thank you Captain.
She shows them a robe.
CPT. BRANSON: What is it?
THRAG: It's a lamuda. The traveling robe for great journeys. We will take the boy now.
DR. CARLSON: He needs to rest.
M'OLA: He will.
SHON: Goodbye Doctor and thank you.
The family EXITS sickbay.
DR. CARLSON: I'm waiting for that apologize.
John turns to him.
CPT. BRANSON: I'd check the temperature of hell first.
John EXITS the sickbay.
EXT. ONTEEN ORBIT [OPTICAL]
The Enterprise orbits the planet.
INT. DOCTOR CARLSON'S OFFICE/SICKBAY, USS ENTERPRISE-E
DR. CARLSON [to recorder]: Vital signs stable and all indications point to a speedy recovery. end log.
[COM CHIRPS]
LTJG. MASON [com voice]: Medical team to guest quarters
CUT TO:
INT. BEDROOM AREA/GUEST QUARTERS, USS ENTERPRISE-E
Doctor Carlson enters and sees Shon lifeless as his parents are in custody of the security officers.
LTJG. MASON: Ensign Smith discovered what they were going to do but by the time we got here it was too late he's gone.
Doctor Carlson's distraught.
JUMP CUT TO:
EXT. WARP SPACE [OPTICAL]
The Enterprise travels to Douglas Station to drop off Admiral Johnson.
INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE, USS ENTERPRISE-E
Steven looks out at the stars streaking by.
JOHN: I thought I'd find you here.
STEVEN: You can have my resignation.
JOHN: No I still need you Steven but you have to realize that not everyone can be saved.
STEVEN: You were right the Prime Directive was in effect and I didn't listen.
JOHN: You wouldn't of obeyed it Steven you're a chief medical officer.
STEVEN: I'll know better next time.
CPT. BRANSON: Would Shon of survived without the surgery?
STEVEN: No, he would of died the blockage was too rooted.
John pats his back and leaves as Steven remains.
[BLACKOUT, END OF ACT FOUR, END CREDITS]
Cast[]
Starring[]
- Jarvis Davidson as Captain John Branson
- Felecia Linkous as Lieutenant Commander Ro Laren
Also Starring[]
- Kevin Reagan as Lieutenant Junior Grade Jack Mason
- Ferne Myers as Lieutenant Commander Courtney James
- Jacob Elliot as Doctor Steven Carlson
- Delena "Dee" Lusk as Ensign Kara Carlson
- Sadie Waymire as Ensign Julia Smith
- Becky Elliot as Lieutenant Commander T'Mir
Guest Stars[]
- TBA as Ensign Harris Payne
- TBA as Chief petty officer Kayla Mackenzie
- TBA as Ensign Henry Johnson
- TBA as Nurse Saskai Takahashi
Special Guest Stars[]
- TBA as Vice Admiral Nick Johnson
- TBA as Doctor Beverly Crusher
- TBA as Onteen Ambassador
- TBA as M'Ola
- TBA as Tharg
- TBA as Shon
Trivia notes[]
Background information[]
- Based upon the Babylon 5 season 1 episode "Believers".
- A Doctor Carlson focus episode.
- The Hippocratic Oath comes into question.